If I were to have written this yesterday, it would have been in total disbelief, despair and doubt. One week after informing our deep bench of supporters that we hit a milestone, now I must give you news that we have been dealt a bitter blow. Not only are we in a rain delay, we are starting the game over with a new pitcher.
Leukemia has returned and as Dr. Uberti put it, “is very aggressive.” Our bone marrow transplant specialist is turning the new game over to a hematologist, Dr. Yang. He will begin the chemotherapy process today, and it will mirror the challenging rounds of chemo Dave endured last May through September. Dave will be in the hospital for long stays as his body is once again battered with powerful poison.
Yesterday, I’d say the news felt like the day we lost Justin Verlander to Houston. Disbelief. How could the Detroit Tigers really trade our beloved JV? Despair. How will we ever replace him? Doubt. How will we win without him?
It is 4 a.m. as I write this, and Dave is finally sleeping. The combination of pain medication and Tylenol is taking the edge off. The intense discomfort he has been experiencing since Sunday is not from overdoing it, but from the leukemia multiplying and dividing. Again, like last spring, his back, groin and hips are the source of pain.
And again, after the disbelief, despair and doubt have dissipated, we will begin this day with the faith, hope and courage needed to win this game. Continue to pray, as I know you will. Send messages filled with love and humor, as you have in the past. And keep following our game, as we step to the plate once again, to start our new hitting streak. We got this.
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Tag Team 
Know your team is petitioning for healing, peace and strength for Team Sontag. We love you all.
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So sorry to hear this. I am praying it is only a temporary setback.
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We haven’t forgotten about you on the 10th floor. I haven’t reached out in awhile because I wanted to give you both space to be normal after all the chaos of last year. If there’s ever anything you need, if it’s something I can help with, please reach out and let us know.
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I’m a former journalism student of Mr. Sontag. Graduating class 1996. Tabbitha (Raymo). Deb Yoas shares this blog on Facebook. I’m so glad to keep up! Dave influenced me greatly as a teacher. I’m a writer today, actually. Please know I’m joining the team, cheering and rallying hope with you!
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Thank you for sharing this…He was my teacher at Jefferson High School and by far my favorite. He has made such an impact in my life as a teacher friend and the best encourager ! My prayers are with him and believing for good reports and miracles. I have seen through faith the storm is the strongest right before the breakthrough so I am believing for his breakthrough! Hugs to you all:)
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You are stronger thank you think. God is your streangth Do not give up- we have a family of 6 waiting for your healing Mr. sontag!!! You were an inspiration for my husband tremendously and my self more than you would ever know! Your streangth gives us all what we need!!!
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I’m so sorry to hear about this, Dave. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
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Dave, Michelle and family,
You have remained in our prayers and hope that God hears all of us who are praying for you ! All who know Dave knows he will keep battling . We want to see him cross home plate .
Love and Prayers
The LeBruns
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Bottom of the ninth, runner in scoring position down 1, two outs….. games not over!! Keep fighting Tag!!
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Dave, The Dare Family is praying for healing and comfort for you and your family!! Keep up the good fight!! 💙🙏💙🙏💙
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Prayers of healing for you coach Sontag! Camden and I have been praying for you every night, he often ask how you are doing. Gods blessings for you and your family🙏
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Praying for peace and strength for you all.
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I had no idea….know that we will hold you close in our prayers from Cincinnati!! Michelle and Dave…He will give you the graces and strength to persevere. We will pray and trust together 😊.
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I had no idea….know that we will hold you close in our prayers from Cincinnati!! Michelle and Dave…He will give you the graces and strength to persevere. We will pray and trust together 😊.
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Dear Dave and Michelle:
All Dave has to do is read the above comments to know he is loved and supported. We pray and believe that in this, as in all difficult things done well, hard work (more laps!) and belief in the healing powers for the body and spirit can win out. We need you, Dave, and our students need and miss you. Keep it at game speed, my friend. We put on our rally caps! PH
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